Since childhood, Su Baiyi’s training with Xie Kanhua had focused solely on swordsmanship. When faced with Feng Yuhang’s question about the saber—a weapon entirely foreign to him—he found himself at a loss for words.
Feng Yuhan, however, didn’t mind and went on speaking. “Ask any young person in the martial world to choose between studying the saber or the sword, and most would pick the sword. The sword is the weapon of scholars—there’s something poetic about drinking fine wine, surrounded by beauty, playing with your sword and singing to the heavens. I had such dreams in my youth too. But the saber? It is the weapon of warriors, the courage of all arms. When you face an enemy, it’s all or nothing. People often say it lacks that ethereal grace…”
“No, no, that’s not it!” Su Baiyi hastily explained. “Please don’t misunderstand, Senior. It’s just that I’ve learned only the sword from my master since childhood and have never touched saber. Your question caught me off guard.”
“Though thinking about it now, there’s something appealing about being a saber-master. What freedom it brings—no need to worry about scholarly etiquette, just wearing ragged clothes and roaming the martial world as you please. It has its own kind of charm,” Feng Yuhang shook his head. “But let’s not dwell on this. I want to teach you the way of the saber because three days from now, at the grand ceremony, you must help me take back my position as Sect Master.”
“Naturally.” Su Baiyi nodded. “That’s why we came here in the first place.”
“You’ll have to wield the saber in my place,” Feng Yuhang deftly twirled the long blade in his hand. “So regardless of whether you’re interested in learning the saber or not, today you must learn it.”
Su Baiyi became even more bewildered. “Sect Master Feng, I’ve never practiced saber in my entire life. With only three days left, how could you possibly teach me to use it?”
“You’ve cultivated the core principles of the Book of Immortals, and now you possess all of my internal energy as well. Three days is enough time for me to teach you the saber technique from that book.” Feng Yuhang gazed at the cicada-wing-thin blade in his hand. “Trust me, this is absolutely the most perfect saber technique in existence. It’s even more exquisite than the Demon City Lord’s Ten Thousand Cuts technique!”
Heavenly Book Hall, Yunmeng Prefecture.
“Second Hall Master, the carriage to Heavenly Dawn Cloud Realm is waiting outside. It’s time to depart,” a disciple of the Heavenly Book Hall called from beyond the door.
A burly middle-aged man set down the teacup in his hand. Then, placing his right hand over the back of his left hand, he lightly scratched the long scar there. “Still no word on Feng Yuhan’s whereabouts?”
“Reporting to the Second Hall Master. The news from over there says he’s still missing. After such a long time with no updates, it’s likely he’s met an unfortunate end,” the disciple replied, bowing his head.
“Feng Yuhan isn’t someone who would die so easily,” the Second Hall Master continued scratching the scar, turning his head as he spoke. “What do you think, brother?”
“As long as no body is found, prepare for anything,” a voice came from deeper inside the hall. A man sat in a wheelchair, his head lowered, staring at the ground. “And be wary of the Heavenly Water Manor.”
“Hahaha, the three families of Yunmeng Prefecture, branches of the same tree. Yet now, two join forces to bring down one, but still scheme against each other, hoping the other will become the next Heavenly Dawn Cloud Realm. This is truly amusing,” the Second Hall Master said, raising his head. A gust of wind blew through the hall, lifting his hair and revealing a faint birthmark on his forehead. Clearly self-conscious, he quickly smoothed his hair back down. “Brother, when can we stop pretending? Why not just draw our blades and fight? Acting like upright gentlemen is exhausting.”
“Even now, we’re still no match for Shanglin Heavenly Palace,” the First Hall Master frowned slightly. “The fact that they’re willing to turn a blind eye to what’s happening with Heavenly Dawn Cloud Realm is already a major concession on their part.”
“Hmph. They have Weilong Mountain in the north, and we have Yunmeng Prefecture in the southwest. They were the ones who overreached, so this small compromise now can hardly be called a significant retreat,” the Second Hall Master let out a cold snort.
“Watch your words,” the First Hall Master said in a low, reprimanding tone.
Another gust of wind swept through the hall, prompting the Second Hall Master to press his hair down over his forehead with an irritated expression. “Why is the wind so strong today!”
As soon as the words left his mouth, he felt the world around him dim. When he raised his head again, a figure was already standing before him. The person was tall and lean, wearing a wide-brimmed hat. A single finger was extended, stopping just an inch from the center of his forehead.
“Indeed, it’s a very small step. But without this very small step, if I were to move forward just one inch…” the person’s voice was eerily calm, as if discussing something utterly trivial, “you would be dead.”
“Bai… Bai Jile!” The Second Hall Master recognized the voice instantly.
“Second Hall Master, it’s been many years,” Bai Jile said, withdrawing his finger.
The Second Hall Master turned to look toward the inner hall. “Why is Bai Jile here!”
“Insolent! You will address him as Tower Master Bai!” the First Hall Master rebuked sharply. His voice then mellowed, “Tower Master Bai, I apologize that my condition prevents me from greeting you properly. I hope you can forgive this discourtesy.”
“There’s no need for formalities. I’m here to collect something as agreed upon,” Bai Jile said indifferently.
“What are you here to collect?” the Second Hall Master furrowed his brow.
The First Hall Master, seated in the inner hall, finally raised his head, lightly patting his crippled legs. “Let him take it. I regret my greed from back then.”
Bai Jile adjusted his wide-brimmed hat without responding, letting silence fill the hall for a brief moment. Then, a small book flew out from the inner hall. He caught it with one hand and tucked it into his robes.
“This is…” The Second Hall Master clenched his fists tightly.
“Your killing intent is offensive,” Bai Jile said flatly. “I’ve only taken that small step back. If you move forward, I will kill you.”
“Ze Rui!” a harsh voice rang out from the inner hall.
“I understand.” The Second Hall Master sighed softly and took a step back.
“I must head to Heavenly Water Manor. Farewell,” Bai Jile turned and left.
“Brother!” The Second Hall Master hurried into the inner hall. “Could it be that the price for Shanglin Heavenly Palace’s neutrality in suppressing Heavenly Dawn Cloud Realm is…”
“Yes,” the First Hall Master nodded. “Because Feng Yuhan refused to comply, this is the price he must pay. Shanglin Heavenly Palace is no longer the same palace it once was, but it remains beyond our ability to oppose.”
“But handing over that item to them…” The Second Hall Master ground his teeth in frustration.
“That thing is not a blessing,” the First Hall Master dropped his hand back down. “If not for it, I wouldn’t have ended up in this state.”
“And the old master of Heavenly Water Manor —is he truly willing to hand it over? I’ve heard that after all this time, he’s already discovered the key. If I were given enough time, I believe I could achieve the same,” the Second Hall Master said.
“Bai Jile carried a heavy air of killing intent just now. I’ve seen him many times before—he usually hides his emotions well. This time was unusual.” The First Hall Master sighed. “It seems Shanglin Heavenly Palace is determined to have it.”
The Second Hall Master closed his eyes slightly. “Or perhaps… he’s injured?”